Master of Arts (MA) in ABC

36 Credits | 2 Years

A comprehensive graduate degree combining rigorous scientific training with specialized preparation through one of two pathways:

• Thesis Track: Faculty-mentored research designed for students pursuing doctoral study and research careers.
• Internship Track: Professional field experience and an evidence-based capstone designed for students pursuing applied careers in animal behavior, cognition, welfare, and conservation.

Advanced Certificate in ABC

15 Credits | 1 Years

A streamlined, specialized curriculum ideal for practicing industry professionals looking to integrate rigorous behavioral literacy into their careers—or for those new to the field seeking a focused, graduate-level foundation.

Whether pursuing advanced research or applied professional roles, every graduate of the ABC MA program develops mastery across four core domains:

• Knowledge Base in the Field of Animal Behavior and Conservation. Students acquire knowledge of key concepts and principles and overarching themes in animal behavior, animal cognition, conservation psychology/biology, animal welfare science, comparative psychology, and research methods. Students acquire credentials for employment in fields related to ABC.
• Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking. Students learn to reason scientifically, gain scientific literacy skills, process statistical information, and learn to interpret and design studies in animal behavior and cognition.
• Ethical and Social Responsibility in a Diverse World. Students learn to apply ethical standards in conducting and evaluating psychological and behavioral research, build and enhance interpersonal relationships, and adopt values that build community at local, national and international levels.
• Communication. Students learn communication skills to disseminate research findings and to apply psychological content and skills to a range of career goals, exhibit self-efficacy and self-regulation, develop and refine project management skills, enhance their teamwork capacity and develop meaningful professional direction for life after graduation.